PHI 413 Topic 2 Assignment Moral Status Case Analysis
This assignment will focus on introducing you to the question of human dignity and, in particular, the Christian perspective of the intrinsic worth and value of each person. You will have the opportunity to integrate this insight with scientific and philosophical approaches that inform judgements made in health care and contrast it with secular approaches to human value and worth. The logic of human rights will be made explicit as you engage with different concepts of “moral status.”
Based on your reading of the “Case Study: Fetal Abnormality” and topic Resources, complete the “Moral Status: Case Analysis” document, in which you will analyze the case study in relation to the following:
- Christian view of the nature of human persons, theory of moral status, intrinsic human value, and dignity
- Theory or theories used by individuals in the case to determine the moral status
- How each theory used determines or influences recommendations for action
- Moral status theory personal response
- Integration of knowledge in health care (theories, multiple ways of knowing, evidence) and knowledge from other disciplines inform and support current or future professional health care practices and judgements
Support your response using only Chapter 2 from the textbook Practicing Dignity: An Introduction to Christian Values and Decision-Making in Health Care and the Topic 2 Resource “The Image of God, Bioethics, and Persons With Profound Intellectual Disabilities.”
While APA style is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and documentation of sources should be presented using APA formatting guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.
This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. A link to the LopesWrite technical support articles is located in Class Resources if you need assistance.
American Association of Colleges of Nursing Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education
This assignment aligns with AACN Core Competencies: 1.3
Case Study: Fetal Abnormality
Jessica is a 30-year-old immigrant from Mexico City. She and her husband Marco have been in the United States for the last three years and have finally earned enough money to move out of their Aunt Maria’s home and into an apartment of their own. They are both hard workers. Jessica works 50 hours a week at a local restaurant and Marco has been contracting side jobs in construction. Six months before their move to an apartment, Jessica finds out she is pregnant.
Four months later, Jessica and Marco arrive at the county hospital, a large, public, nonteaching hospital. A preliminary ultrasound indicates a possible abnormality with the fetus. Further scans are conducted, and it is determined that the fetus has a rare condition in which it has not developed any arms and will not likely develop them. There is also a 25% chance that the fetus may have Down syndrome.
Dr. Wilson, the primary attending physician, is seeing Jessica for the first time, since she and Marco did not receive earlier prenatal care over concerns about finances. Marco insists that Dr. Wilson refrain from telling Jessica the scan results, assuring him that he will tell his wife himself when she is emotionally ready for the news. While Marco and Dr. Wilson are talking in another room, Aunt Maria walks into the room with a distressed look on her face. She can tell that something is wrong and inquires of Dr. Wilson. After hearing of the diagnosis, she walks out of the room wailing loudly and praying aloud.
Marco and Dr. Wilson continue their discussion, and Dr. Wilson insists that he has an obligation to Jessica as his patient and that she has a right to know the diagnosis of the fetus. He furthermore is intent on discussing all relevant factors and options regarding the next step, including abortion. Marco insists on taking some time to think of how to break the news to Jessica, but Dr. Wilson, frustrated with the direction of the conversation, informs the husband that such a choice is not his to make. Dr. Wilson proceeds back across the hall, where he walks in on Aunt Maria awkwardly praying with Jessica and phoning the priest. At that point, Dr. Wilson gently but briefly informs Jessica of the diagnosis and lays out the option for abortion as a responsible medical alternative, given the quality of life such a child would have. Jessica looks at him and struggles to hold back her tears.
Jessica is torn between her hopes of a better socioeconomic position and increased independence, along with her conviction that all life is sacred. Marco will support Jessica in whatever decision she makes but is finding it difficult not to view the pregnancy and the prospects of a disabled child as a burden and a barrier to their economic security and plans. Dr. Wilson lays out all of the options but clearly makes his view known that abortion is “scientifically” and medically a wise choice in this situation. Aunt Maria pleads with Jessica to follow through with the pregnancy and allow what “God intends” to take place and urges Jessica to think of her responsibility as a mother.
PHI 413 Topic 2 Assignment Moral Status Case Analysis Example
Moral Status: Case Analysis
Student Name:
After reading of the “Case Study: Fetal Abnormality” and the specific moral status theories in the topic Resources, respond to the following prompts, using only citations from the case and topic Resources:
- Based on the case and specific moral status theories in the topic Resources, in 450-500 words, what is the Christian view of the nature of human persons, and which theory of moral status is it compatible with? How is this related to the intrinsic human value and dignity?
| The Christian view of human persons is rooted in the belief that all individuals are created in the Imago Dei, granting them inherent dignity and moral worth. This perspective holds that human life is sacred, irrespective of physical or cognitive abilities. Christian ethics emphasize that personhood is not defined by functionality, rationality, or autonomy but by God’s inherent value bestowed upon each individual (Cota et al., 2024). This understanding directly influences discussions on moral status and healthcare decision-making, particularly in cases involving fetal abnormalities. WRITE MY PAPER Among the various theories of moral status, the human properties theory aligns most closely with the Christian worldview. This theory asserts that moral status is conferred simply by being human, regardless of developmental stage, disability, or potential quality of life. Unlike other theories, such as cognitive theory, which bases moral status on rational capacities, or sentience theory, which ties worth to the ability to experience pain or pleasure, the human properties theory aligns with Christian teaching by affirming that every human being possesses inherent moral value from conception to natural death. This view is crucial in the case of Jessica and Marco, as their unborn child’s condition challenges societal perspectives on quality of life, burden, and viability. The physician, Dr. Wilson, presents abortion as a scientifically and medically reasonable option based on a utilitarian outlook that prioritizes potential suffering and economic hardship. However, from a Christian perspective, the child retains full moral status despite its disabilities. Christianity does not measure dignity by function or utility but by divine ordination (Cota et al., 2024). The intrinsic worth of the fetus is equal to that of any other person, affirming the belief that life, even with disabilities, should be protected and nurtured. Additionally, the intrinsic human value and dignity derived from the Christian view oppose a purely consequentialist or pragmatic approach to healthcare decisions. The relational theory of moral status, which posits that relationships and community influence moral worth, can also be integrated with the Christian perspective. This theory suggests that dignity and worth are reinforced through love, responsibility, and interdependence. Marco’s concerns about financial stability and Aunt Maria’s religious conviction highlight the tensions between practical concerns and moral obligations. The Christian ethic, however, calls for trust in God’s providence and the recognition that all life, regardless of disability, holds a divine purpose. The theological foundation in Imago Dei further underscores the importance of compassion and care for the vulnerable. Stahl & Kilner (2017) reinforce that personhood is not contingent on cognitive ability, physical perfection, or societal contribution. It argues that seeing individuals through the lens of divine creation mandates a duty of care, love, and protection, particularly for those who cannot advocate for themselves. This perspective challenges the secular notion that terminating a pregnancy due to disability is a justifiable medical choice. Instead, it affirms that all human life, including that of the unborn child, is valuable and deserving of care. |
- Based on the case, in 200-250 words, which specific moral status theory or theories from the topic Resources are being used by Jessica, Marco, Maria, and Dr. Wilson to determine the moral status of the fetus? What from the case study specifically leads you to believe that they hold the theory or each of the theories you identified?
| The human properties theory is the most relevant moral status theory reflected in the case study. This theory asserts that moral status is granted simply by virtue of being human, regardless of cognitive abilities, physical development, or functional capacities. It aligns with Jessica’s internal conflict and moral reasoning as she struggles to balance her socioeconomic challenges with her belief that all human life is sacred. Jessica’s hesitation about abortion and her emotional reaction to the diagnosis suggest that she views the fetus as having intrinsic worth. She does not dismiss the life based on its disabilities but instead considers the ethical weight of terminating the pregnancy (Grand Canyon University, 2020). Her distress over the situation implies that she acknowledges the fetus’s humanity and moral status, even in the face of practical difficulties. Although Marco is concerned about financial hardship and the burden of raising a disabled child, he ultimately defers to Jessica’s decision, indicating that he also recognizes the fetus as having inherent moral worth. His struggle reflects an internal conflict between economic reality and an underlying acknowledgment of the fetus’s personhood. Aunt Maria’s plea for Jessica to follow “what God intends” further reinforces the human properties theory by emphasizing that the fetus’s worth is not determined by its physical condition but by its humanity. She believes that all human life, regardless of disabilities, is valuable and should be protected. Dr. Wilson, however, challenges this perspective by implying that the fetus’s disabilities diminish its quality of life and that abortion is a reasonable alternative. His stance contrasts with the human properties theory, as he suggests that the fetus’s moral status is conditional rather than inherent. |
- Based on the case and specific moral status theories in the topic Resources, in 200-250 words, how does the theory or each of the theories they used determine or influence each individual’s recommendation for action?
| Jessica’s belief in the sanctity of life leads her to struggle with the decision, as she recognizes the fetus’s inherent moral worth despite its disabilities. Her hesitation to immediately accept abortion as a solution suggests that she sees the fetus as a full human being deserving of protection. This perspective makes her more inclined to continue the pregnancy, even though she acknowledges the economic and emotional challenges involved. While concerned about financial stability, Marco ultimately supports whatever decision Jessica makes. His internal conflict suggests that he does not outright dismiss the fetus’s moral status (Grand Canyon University, 2020). While he initially views the pregnancy as a burden, his willingness to defer to Jessica implies that he acknowledges the fetus’s intrinsic worth, which influences his reluctance to insist on abortion as the best option. Aunt Maria strongly believes that all human life is sacred, leading her to advocate for Jessica to continue the pregnancy. Her plea for Jessica to follow what God intends stems from the belief that the fetus is fully human and deserves the right to life. This belief makes abortion an unacceptable option in her view. Dr. Wilson, who does not adhere to the human properties theory, instead implies that the fetus’s disabilities diminish its moral status. His recommendation for abortion is influenced by a more utilitarian or cognitive properties perspective, suggesting that life with disabilities is less valuable. This contrast in viewpoints creates the ethical tension within the case. |
- Based on the case and specific moral status theory or theories from the topic Resources, in 200-250 words, what theory do you personally agree with and why? How would that theory determine or influence your recommended action in a similar situation?
| The relational theory of moral status aligns with my perspective because it emphasizes that relationships and interdependence shape moral worth. This theory asserts that an individual’s moral status is not solely based on biological existence or cognitive ability but is instead influenced by their connections with others. In this case, the fetus’s moral worth is derived from its relationship with Jessica, Marco, and their broader community. Applying this theory to the case, the moral significance of the fetus is not just inherent. However, it is also shaped by Jessica’s role as its mother and the responsibilities she holds toward it. Jessica’s deep emotional struggle suggests that she already perceives a strong bond with her unborn child, reinforcing the fetus’s moral status. Marco’s concerns about economic security highlight the social and financial pressures that affect this relationship, while Aunt Maria’s plea for Jessica to continue the pregnancy reflects a belief that family and faith should guide moral decision-making (Grand Canyon University, 2020). If faced with a similar situation, I would emphasize the importance of strengthening these relationships through open communication and support systems. Instead of isolating Jessica in this decision, I would encourage family involvement, counseling, and resources that help her understand the role of the community in raising a child with disabilities. Rather than focusing solely on medical prognosis, this theory would guide my recommendation toward fostering a supportive environment that acknowledges the fetus’s moral status through its relational ties and the love and care it is already receiving. |
- Based on the case and topic Resources, in 200-250 words, how does the integration of knowledge in health care (theories, multiple ways of knowing, evidence) and knowledge from other disciplines inform and support your current or future professional health care practices and judgments regarding moral status issues?
| The integration of theories, multiple ways of knowing, and interdisciplinary knowledge plays a critical role in shaping healthcare decisions, particularly in moral status issues. Ethical dilemmas, such as those in the Fetal Abnormality case, require a balanced approach that considers ethical theories, medical evidence, social determinants, and cultural influences. Moral status theories, such as the human properties theory and relational theory, provide frameworks for assessing the inherent value of human life. Understanding these theories allows healthcare professionals to navigate complex ethical decisions with clarity and consistency. For instance, applying the relational theory reinforces the importance of family and societal support in guiding patients toward morally and emotionally informed choices. Additionally, multiple ways of knowing, including empirical knowledge from scientific evidence, ethical reasoning from moral philosophy, personal knowledge from individual experiences, and aesthetic knowledge from patient narratives, help nurses and providers make compassionate, patient-centered decisions. In the case of fetal abnormality, integrating biomedical knowledge on congenital conditions, psychosocial factors affecting the family, and cultural and religious beliefs enhances ethical decision-making. Interdisciplinary knowledge from bioethics, theology, psychology, and social work further supports professional judgment. For example, a nurse informed by bioethics can engage in ethical consultations, while knowledge from psychology helps address emotional distress. Understanding social work principles allows families to connect with resources to support their decisions. In my future healthcare practice, integrating these perspectives will enable me to provide holistic, ethical, and patient-centered care, ensuring that moral status considerations are handled with compassion, respect, and informed judgment. |
References
Cota, M., Jr., & de la Torre, V. (Eds.). (2024). Practicing dignity: An introduction to Christian values and decision-making in health care (3rd ed.). Grand Canyon University.
Grand Canyon University. (2020). Case Study: Fetal Abnormality
Stahl, D., & Kilner, J. (2017). The image of God, bioethics, and persons with profound intellectual disabilities. Journal of Christian Institute on Disability, 6(1–2), 19-40.
